Philip Rivers connects with Danny Woodhead on a 6 yard pass play that was initially called a touchdown but reversed. The chargers failed to convert a touchdown after this play settling for a field goal then losing in overtime 30-24.
— Sean M. Haffey

Philip Rivers connects with Danny Woodhead on a 6 yard pass play that was initially called a touchdown but reversed. The chargers failed to convert a touchdown after this play settling for a field goal then losing in overtime 30-24.
— Sean M. Haffey

Philip Rivers connects with Danny Woodhead on a 6 yard pass play that was initially called a touchdown but reversed. The chargers failed to convert a touchdown after this play settling for a field goal then losing in overtime 30-24.
— Sean M. Haffey

Keenan Allen is unable to reach this pass at the end of the 4th quarter as David Amerson defends. Chargers would have to settle for a fieldgoal to tie the game, then went on to lose in overtime 30-24.
— Sean M. Haffey

The latest receiver to blow by the 27-year-old for a massive gain was Washington's Pierre Garcon, who picked up 38 yards on a third-quarter catch that led to a Redskins touchdown. Cox, who was replaced by Johnny Patrick, didn't play another series all game.

If we were discussing any other cornerback for San Diego, this wouldn't be news. The Bolts may be weaker at that position than any team in the NFL.

But Cox was supposed to be the redeemer, the key offseason acquisition -- the stud who signed a four-year, $20 million deal last March after four solid seasons in Jacksonville.

He hasn't delivered, though. The Chargers' most expensive signing of 2013 has been way more than a dollar short.

In the season-opener, for example, Cox's head-scratching late retreat helped Houston convert on third and 18, which led to a Texans score in their come-from-three-touchdowns-behind win.

In Oakland last month, Rod Streater burned Cox for a 44-yard TD pass on the Raiders' first offensive snap of the game.

Against Indianapolis a week later, Cox gave up a 35-yard pass to Reggie Wayne on a flea flicker, and one quarter later, watched Darrius Heyward-Bey fly past him and drop a would-be touchdown pass.

So when Garcon became Cox's latest conqueror Sunday, the Chargers' coaches had seen enough.

It seemed the fans had, too.

"Courtney Cox would be a better cover corner than Derek Cox," tweeted one Bolts' die-hard.

"Derek Cox is a millionaire and I have no idea why," tweeted another.

Chargers coach Mike McCoy wouldn't comment on the reason for Cox's benching, saying only that "we made a decision to put someone else in. We'll do whatever we think is best to make the team win."

However, when a reporter asked whether Cox would start against Denver next week, McCoy refused to commit, saying "we'll talk about it as the week goes on."

That, in a sense, is incredible. Given the needs the Chargers had at the position, and the hype surrounding Cox's arrival in San Diego, him being a possible starter after eight games is mind-blowing.

Cox's countenance after the game made it clear that he was upset if not outright stunned. But his language remained upbeat, even if his body language did not.